Teen Writing Institute @ SJSU (For Writers Entering 8th-12th)

​This two-week summer writing program for teens offers a curriculum designed to develop and support students’ imaginative and academic writing across literary genres. The Teen Writers Institute features guest presenters, authors and various workshop choices. Courses every year range from humor to horror, writing plays and playing with writing, making arguments and making memories, all taught by teachers versed in instruction and publication. Once course selections have been determined, registrants will be notified.

2018 Course Offerings

The Pen that Heals: Writing to Change Ourselves and the World

Writer and public speaker Brené Brown once said, “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do.” And to walk inside and own our story—to explore our joys, hopes, uncertainties, and pain—is an act of courage and self-love that can heal and guide us toward freedom.

In this workshop, we will practice walking inside our story by centering narrative writing—a genre that, unfortunately, is too often and wrongly perceived as not “academic enough.” Treating our lives as primary texts can help us deepen our understanding of self and each other, while helping us develop a strong, powerful voice that we can express in any type of writing, especially in college. We will also practice argumentative writing and explore how we can use our words to promote a more peaceful, loving, and just world for all.

I have always been a strong believer in the following truth: if you can write poetry, you can write anything. In this workshop, you will learn skills that will help you write both college essays and publishable poems. In addition to these composition tricks, you will also learn how to publish your poetry, which will make you stand out as you start applying to colleges.

Love great stories? Develop a piece, or pieces, of writing in a mishmash of fun! We will explore writing by examining short stories, playing improv games, being inspired by the outdoors, and so much more. Join the fun.

*Course content follows the same theme in weeks 1 and 2

​Writers in Residence: Novel Writing*

This course will cover everything you ever wanted to know about writing a book—and culminate with you writing one! We’ll tackle concepts, first lines, chapter structure, those sagging middles, and punch-powerful endings. While writing, we’ll work on ways to keep up motivation, tackle writer’s block, and avoid creating another unfinished work. Students should have a working knowledge of genre and basic story structure prior to taking this class and will be expected to write. Laptops equipped with WORD preferred.

Tuition discounts available for financial need. Email copy of Free and Reduced Lunch letter to sanjosewritingproject@sjsu.edu with a brief statement of need & verifying child’s motivation to participate in a writing program. Office will email a code to use at registration to reduce tuition by $100 for two-week program.

Refund Policy:
100% for cancellation before April 15, 2018
$100 penalty for cancellation made 30 days before program
50% penalty for cancellations made 10 working days before program
Unusual circumstances may be an exception

Course Full
This course will cover everything you ever wanted to know about writing a book—and culminate with you writing one! We’ll tackle concepts, first lines, chapter structure, those sagging middles, and punch-powerful endings. While writing, we’ll work on ways to keep up motivation, tackle writer’s block, and avoid creating another unfinished work. Students should have a working knowledge of genre and basic story structure prior to taking this class and will be expected to write. Laptops equipped with Word preferred.